An 89-year-old Florida man is believed to have been pulled from his camper and killed by a black bear or bears in a shocking attack, state wildlife officials say.
Robert Markel of Jerome was found dead and partially covered with dirt and leaves a couple hundred yards from his camper on May 5. His dog was killed about two hours later. One of Markel’s relatives was on the phone with state officials to report the attack on the dog and say they could not find Markel. Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and other law enforcement agencies arrived on the scene and soon found Markel’s bloody clothing and his partially covered remains.
Wildlife officials found and killed three black bears in the area. The bears were sent to the University of Florida in Gainesville for necropsies and DNA testing. FWC officials set up more traps and game cameras around the camper and area to possibly capture other bears.
Officials believe more than 4,000 black bears live in the state. Attacks are uncommon. Markel’s death is believed to be the first in known state recorded history. Markel lived in Jerome, an unincorporated area in Collier County. The town borders the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area and is about 10 miles north of Everglades City.
Black bears live throughout Florida, mostly in the central and Panhandle areas. State wildlife officials are considering a proposal for a controlled, limited hunting season for the first time in 10 years.
